RAM 1500 · model year

2017 RAM 1500

1096 NHTSA complaints, 109 crash reports, and 13 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2017RAM1500 carries 1096 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 109 crashes, 20 fires, 108 injuries, and 1 fatality. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2017 1500 is steering with 192 filings, followed by engine (152) and electrical system (95). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 13 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2017 1500, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

1096
Complaints
109
Crashes
20
Fires
108
Injuries
1
Deaths
2017 RAM 1500 — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2017 RAM 1500. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

1096 filings

Crashes Reported

109 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING192
ENGINE152
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM95
POWER TRAIN85
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM82
SERVICE BRAKES72
UNKNOWN OR OTHER64
AIR BAGS52
SUSPENSION43
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL36
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL31
STRUCTURE:BODY30
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING29
EXTERIOR LIGHTING12
WHEELS12

Recalls (13)

18V48600027/07/2018

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

19V75700024/10/2019

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifol

17V19800023/03/2017

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up.

17V82100020/12/2017

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter.

18V33200017/05/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler

25V01000016/01/2025

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

20V47500013/08/2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, p

21V63200012/08/2021

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the

22V40600009/06/2022

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.

19V34700009/05/2019

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power

23V41100008/06/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing,

18V10000008/02/2018

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Sh

17V43400007/07/2017

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The fuel tanks in the affected vehicles may have a broken fuel tank control valve which might leak fuel if the vehicle were to become inverted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Saf

Recent Complaints

20260217SERVICE BRAKES

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) module in this 2017 Ram 1500 has failed, causing the ABS warning light and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) indicators to remain illuminated. A diagnosis by an authorized dealership on 1/6/2026 confirmed the failure of the ABS module and the need for a total replacement. The dealership informed me that the necessary replacement part is on an indefinite backorder from the manufacturer with no estimated date of arrival. As a result, the vehicle currently lacks functional ABS and stability control. This creates a significant safety risk, as the vehicle may experience wheel lock-up or a loss of steering control during emergency braking or in slippery road conditions. The manufacturer's inability to provide a critical safety component for a modern road vehicle leaves the driver and public at risk. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

20260217ENGINE

I am reporting a persistent safety defect involving loss of intended drivability in my 2017 Ram 1500 with an 8-speed automatic transmission. For the past 3 years, on almost every use of the vehicle, the transmission enters an abnormal operating state where it becomes stuck in a single gear (most often 3rd or 4th) and will not upshift or downshift. When this occurs, the vehicle experiences reduced ability to accelerate and loss of normal drivability. The condition does not resolve while driving and requires me to pull over, shut the vehicle off, and restart it to restore operation. This defect has occurred multiple times at freeway speeds, requiring me to pull over onto the highway shoulder due to loss of vehicle function. A vehicle that cannot reliably shift or accelerate at highway speed presents a clear safety hazard to the driver and surrounding traffic. Requiring a stop-and-restart is not a safe or reasonable mitigation strategy in real-world traffic conditions. The issue occurs

20260217VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I am reporting a persistent safety defect involving loss of intended drivability in my 2017 Ram 1500 with an 8-speed automatic transmission. For the past 3 years, on almost every use of the vehicle, the transmission enters an abnormal operating state where it becomes stuck in a single gear (most often 3rd or 4th) and will not upshift or downshift. When this occurs, the vehicle experiences reduced ability to accelerate and loss of normal drivability. The condition does not resolve while driving and requires me to pull over, shut the vehicle off, and restart it to restore operation. This defect has occurred multiple times at freeway speeds, requiring me to pull over onto the highway shoulder due to loss of vehicle function. A vehicle that cannot reliably shift or accelerate at highway speed presents a clear safety hazard to the driver and surrounding traffic. Requiring a stop-and-restart is not a safe or reasonable mitigation strategy in real-world traffic conditions. The issue occurs

20260217POWER TRAIN

I am reporting a persistent safety defect involving loss of intended drivability in my 2017 Ram 1500 with an 8-speed automatic transmission. For the past 3 years, on almost every use of the vehicle, the transmission enters an abnormal operating state where it becomes stuck in a single gear (most often 3rd or 4th) and will not upshift or downshift. When this occurs, the vehicle experiences reduced ability to accelerate and loss of normal drivability. The condition does not resolve while driving and requires me to pull over, shut the vehicle off, and restart it to restore operation. This defect has occurred multiple times at freeway speeds, requiring me to pull over onto the highway shoulder due to loss of vehicle function. A vehicle that cannot reliably shift or accelerate at highway speed presents a clear safety hazard to the driver and surrounding traffic. Requiring a stop-and-restart is not a safe or reasonable mitigation strategy in real-world traffic conditions. The issue occurs

20260213CrashSTEERING

Our vehicle was a 2017 Ram 1500 crew Cab 4x4. We’re getting near to Goldfield Nevada. I saw this town to my left when I remarked about the town to my wife, we were going the speed limit of 70 mph about 2PM in the afternoon than all of a sudden steering went erratic, twisting and turning us all over the highway to strong for me to hold with no warning lights, Genie yelled out what is going on, I slammed on the brakes and the steering forced us off the road and rolled our vehicle close to two time over. My wife and I escaped with bruises and small cuts. Backs still hurt. I just had spent over $8500.00 on services including a new computer timing ring replacement new intake manifold and new ventilated brakes , tires had over 92% tread on them upgraded wheels I could not control the steering at all. All I could do was slam the brakes down trying to stop all of it and come to a halt. Steering twisted us all over the highway. I left a quite a stretch a rubber on the highway as we left the

20260210STEERING

Truck suddenly lost power, and no power steering assistance at all. Had it checked out by mechanic and mechanic stated a new Rack and Pinion was needing costing over 2 Grand.

20260209POWER TRAIN

The crankshaft tone wheel failed just like the TSB's and recalls. The vehicle would not restart. There are multiple bulletins and recalls along with warranty extensions for this issue but for some reason it does not seem to apply to my truck even thought it falls in the tsb years and details of failure.

20260204ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V411000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into the driveway and turned off the vehicle. After exiting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, with an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle remained at the residence and had not been driven due to safety concerns. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V757000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Mileage: 103,000

20260204FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V411000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into the driveway and turned off the vehicle. After exiting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, with an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle remained at the residence and had not been driven due to safety concerns. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V757000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Mileage: 103,000

20260202FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. While the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the fuel tank strap had detached and was hanging outside of the fuel access door. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20260131POWER TRAIN

I was driving my truck today. I went to turn on cruise control and as I got to the mileage that I wanted, I hit set and then after I hit set about a half mile down the road a truck after wanted to lose power and then allowed bang from the transmission then it did it again bang I turned the cruise control off. I pulled over and I looked it up and it told me do not use the cruise control again and try to get home safely and that’s exactly what I did.

20260131VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I was driving my truck today. I went to turn on cruise control and as I got to the mileage that I wanted, I hit set and then after I hit set about a half mile down the road a truck after wanted to lose power and then allowed bang from the transmission then it did it again bang I turned the cruise control off. I pulled over and I looked it up and it told me do not use the cruise control again and try to get home safely and that’s exactly what I did.

20260131FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

I was driving my truck today. I went to turn on cruise control and as I got to the mileage that I wanted, I hit set and then after I hit set about a half mile down the road a truck after wanted to lose power and then allowed bang from the transmission then it did it again bang I turned the cruise control off. I pulled over and I looked it up and it told me do not use the cruise control again and try to get home safely and that’s exactly what I did.

20260131SERVICE BRAKES

Replaced the frozen suspension last year. Now that it’s cold again, similar codes are being thrown with new ones: Service Trailer Brake System, Service Air Suspension System, Service Electronic Braking System. To note, I’ve had a “Check Fuel Cap” code for years. It’s tied to 3 sensors along the fuel tank and absolutely nothing to do with the fuel cap itself. For the air suspension sensors (WHICH I’VE ALREADY REPLACED ONCE), and the fuel cap sensors— they all run nearly $300 a pop and that isn’t including labor. I personally cannot financially keep up with the vehicle’s maintenance costs. The fact that Canada had a class action lawsuit against FCA for the air suspension but we don’t is baffling. I pray nothing comes from these defective parts because I will be suing.

20260131ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Replaced the frozen suspension last year. Now that it’s cold again, similar codes are being thrown with new ones: Service Trailer Brake System, Service Air Suspension System, Service Electronic Braking System. To note, I’ve had a “Check Fuel Cap” code for years. It’s tied to 3 sensors along the fuel tank and absolutely nothing to do with the fuel cap itself. For the air suspension sensors (WHICH I’VE ALREADY REPLACED ONCE), and the fuel cap sensors— they all run nearly $300 a pop and that isn’t including labor. I personally cannot financially keep up with the vehicle’s maintenance costs. The fact that Canada had a class action lawsuit against FCA for the air suspension but we don’t is baffling. I pray nothing comes from these defective parts because I will be suing.

20260131SUSPENSION

Replaced the frozen suspension last year. Now that it’s cold again, similar codes are being thrown with new ones: Service Trailer Brake System, Service Air Suspension System, Service Electronic Braking System. To note, I’ve had a “Check Fuel Cap” code for years. It’s tied to 3 sensors along the fuel tank and absolutely nothing to do with the fuel cap itself. For the air suspension sensors (WHICH I’VE ALREADY REPLACED ONCE), and the fuel cap sensors— they all run nearly $300 a pop and that isn’t including labor. I personally cannot financially keep up with the vehicle’s maintenance costs. The fact that Canada had a class action lawsuit against FCA for the air suspension but we don’t is baffling. I pray nothing comes from these defective parts because I will be suing.

20260131STEERING

Electric power steering failure. (EPS) the Eapas system has failed and now it’s causing my steering to be extremely rough and almost impossible to drive. I have now taken it to a Dodge/Ram dealership and they have confirmed EPS failure on my truck. This happened while I was driving trying to make a turn, almost caused me to get hit but luckily that did not happen.

20260131ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Electric power steering failure. (EPS) the Eapas system has failed and now it’s causing my steering to be extremely rough and almost impossible to drive. I have now taken it to a Dodge/Ram dealership and they have confirmed EPS failure on my truck. This happened while I was driving trying to make a turn, almost caused me to get hit but luckily that did not happen.

20260129FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While walking to my car I notice my fuel tank hanging down and upon further inspection the front fuel tank strap broke, I took it to a mechanic who confirmed that the strap broke from the frame which has rusted. This is a MAJOR safety issue which can cause serious injury or death. I know this is a known issue for the 2009-2012 models but it looks like this is an ongoing issue.

20260127SUSPENSION

The air suspension in my 2017 Ram 1500 Rebel has gone out once again. I’ve had all of the air bags and compressor replaced once before and it has already gone out again, causing a very bumpy and unsafe ride. It is currently cold where I live, however, this problem started again during the summer time and is not due to the cold temperatures. Ram needs to fix this issue as I can’t continue paying for a defective suspension. While looking online, this is an extremely common problem and I’m wondering what more it will take before there is a recall? Please let me know what can be done to get this fixed for good. Thank you for your time and help.

Compare 2017RAM1500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2017 RAM 1500 have?
The 2017 RAM 1500 has 1096 NHTSA complaints, 109 crashes, 20 fires, 108 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 RAM 1500?
The 2017 RAM 1500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 RAM 1500?
Yes, the 2017 RAM 1500 has 13 recall(s). The most common affected component is STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 RAM 1500?
The most-complained component for the 2017 RAM 1500 is STEERING with 192 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2017 RAM 1500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2017 RAM 1500 has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.